AFCON 2025
Super Eagles vice captain Moses Simon says Super Eagles’ poor start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification can’t be attributed to a single reason or person.
The Paris FC forward added that there were a lot of things going on when the qualifiers started as such, it’s difficult to trace the factors that contributed to the misfortunes of the team .
“I cannot say or point finger on someone because there are a lot of stuff going on,” Simon said, reflecting on what exactly it was that had shaped the disappointing run so far.
“You can see how many coaches played the qualifiers. First, it was Peseiro, then after Finidi, and after a new coach again, and we know every coach has their own tactics.”
“Also with some players that didn’t play the last qualification in June — I was not there, about six key players were also not there, that was also a problem. I will not say without them the team will not live but I think these things would make great impact in the team. And now, we are trying to catch up because it is not easy.”
While speaking to ESPN ahead of the crucial tie against Rwanda on Saturday, Moses Simon praised Super Eagles coach for putting everything on the line to salvage the situation.
“He’s trying to push, he never gives up and he’s trying to inspire the boys to fight no matter what, which for me is one of the things we need because the old national team, the old players then, they always fight.
“Not fight on the pitch, they fight to play. They fight for the shirt, they fight for the badge, which for me he is really good for the players also and he is good for the nation.”
The Super Eagles, grouped alongside Rwanda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Benin Republic and South Africa, were expected to dominate Group C.
Unfortunately, the three-time African champions are lagging behind with seven points after six matches also without a win at home.
The Super Eagles will look to change their ill-luck when they host Rwanda on Saturday, September 6 in a crucial qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
